The report claims sources close to the Antwerp based club say they are close to agreeing a deal with the Saudi prince, who acquired a 50 per cent stake in Sheffield United four years ago.

But positively, for those of a Blades persuasion, it adds that Prince Abdullah does not have any immediate ambition to become Beerschot Wilrijk's sole owner.

The 52-year-old recently pledged to back Chris Wilder, the Sheffield United manager, in January, with the newly promoted side already in firm contention to return to the Premier League.

Interestingly, Kevin McCabe, Prince Abdullah's other half at Bramall Lane, already has business interests in Belgium.

Another Belgian second tier side, OH Leuven, were recently taken over by the owners of Leicester City, King Power International Group, who subsequently appointed Nigel Pearson, a former player at United's rivals Sheffield Wednesday, as manager.